A pulse is the rhythmic expansion and recoil of an artery caused by the heart’s contraction as it pushes blood through the circulatory system. This palpable throbbing sensation reflects the rate, rhythm, and strength of the blood being pumped. Monitoring the pulse is a fundamental component of assessing overall cardiovascular health and is one of the primary measurements collected as a vital sign. Pulse points are specific sites where an artery runs close to the skin surface and can be momentarily compressed against an underlying bone. Locating these points allows for a quick, non-invasive assessment of blood flow and heart function.
The Most Commonly Used Pulse Points
The body contains multiple locations where the pulse can be detected, but three sites are most commonly used for routine health checks and emergency assessments. The radial pulse, located on the underside of the wrist just below the base of the thumb, is the most frequent choice for measuring heart rate in conscious adults. To locate it, an individual places their index and middle fingers on the artery and applies gentle pressure.
The carotid pulse is another highly accessible point, found on the side of the neck in the groove between the windpipe and the large neck muscle. This site is often reserved for emergency situations or when the radial pulse is too weak to be detected, as the carotid arteries supply blood directly to the brain. However, it is important to check only one side at a time to prevent reducing blood flow to the head.
The brachial pulse is located on the inner side of the upper arm, near the elbow crease. While less common for a rate check, this pulse is routinely used by medical professionals to measure blood pressure. It is also the preferred site for checking the pulse in infants during resuscitation efforts.
Critical Diagnostic Pulse Locations
Beyond the commonly checked sites, several other major arterial locations are diagnostically significant, particularly for assessing peripheral circulation. The presence of a pulse at these points confirms adequate blood flow to the extremities. Conversely, their absence can indicate a circulatory compromise.
In the lower half of the body, the femoral pulse is located deep in the groin, roughly midway between the pubic bone and the hip bone. Palpating this large artery is crucial in emergency medicine and for assessing the main blood supply to the entire leg. Moving further down, the popliteal pulse is situated deep within the hollow space directly behind the knee joint.
The posterior tibial pulse is found just behind the inner ankle bone. The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot, slightly to the side of the central tendon. Checking these four lower-extremity pulses—femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis—is a standard procedure to evaluate for peripheral artery disease, which restricts blood flow to the limbs.
Understanding Pulse Measurement and Rate
The actual measurement of the pulse requires counting the number of beats per minute to determine the heart rate. Using the tips of the index and middle fingers, firm but gentle pressure is applied to the chosen pulse point to feel the beats. Counting the beats for a full 60 seconds provides the most accurate reading, though counting for 30 seconds and multiplying the result by two is a common and efficient alternative.
For a healthy adult at rest, a normal heart rate typically falls within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. This rate can be significantly lower in conditioned athletes or higher due to factors like stress, caffeine, or illness. Beyond the rate, the pulse should also be assessed for its rhythm, noting whether the beats occur at regular intervals or if there is an irregularity.